The European Parliament decided, on Thursday 20 October, by urgency procedure, not to accept travel documents issued by Russia in the regions it illegally occupies in Ukraine and Georgia. It adopted its negotiating mandate with the EU Council by 540 votes in favour, 6 against and 36 abstentions.
The EU Council had approved its mandate on 12 October (see EUROPE B13041A16). The Commission’s proposal was for “non-recognition” of these documents, but the Member States had replaced...